saker

plural sakers · alternative sacar · alternative sacker

1. A falcon (Falco cherrug) native of Southern Europe and Asia.

   Synonyms: Saker falcon

2. A medium cannon slightly smaller than a culverin developed during the early 17th century.

   This place of strength vvas furnished of sixe great peeces, demi-Culuerins, and Sakers, vvhich shot directlie in front vpon vs as vve approched.

   1589, Walter Bigges, A Svmmarie and Trve Discovrse of Sir Frances Drakes VVest Indian Voyage

   2 more examples

   Let Sacars, Culuerings, and Cannons ſound / In honour of their bones, and rock the ground / With all your deafning terrors: for behold / The Balſum for your wounds, are rich mens gold, / Powder the world with wonder, and thus crie, / The Camel now may paſſe the needles eie.

   1616, M. Robert Anton, “The Philosophers fovrth Satyr of Mars”, in The Philosophers Satyrs, London: Printed by T[homas] C[reede] and B[ernard] A[lsop] for Roger Iackſon, page 36

   Of warlike engines he was author, / Devised for quick despatch of slaughter: / The cannon, blunderbuss, and saker, / He was th' inventor of, and maker: […]

   1663, Samuel Butler, Hudibras, part 1, canto 2